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How to choose the right coastal home for your family

Brother and sister with beach ball running on driveway

Living by the ocean is an amazing experience. Aside from being able to breathe in the fresh air and head to the beach anytime, it’s also an unforgettable place to spend quality time with your family.

If you’re thinking about investing in a coastal home, there are some things you have to take into consideration. Whether you’re planning to make it your permanent residence or a second home, here’s how to choose the right one:

  • Determine what your family needs and wants
    Before you start looking at coastal homes, you should first figure out what your family needs. Start by determining the number of bedrooms and bathrooms that you will likely need. The number of rooms will depend on the size of your family, as well as whether or not you plan on having guests over (in which case you’ll need more space).

    You should also ask your family about the activities they would want to do. This way, you will know to look for a coastal home that caters to the lifestyle you all want to enjoy.

  • Find a good location
    After determining the features you’re looking for in a home, you can now use these to decide on the location. What makes a good location will depend on your priorities. If beach access is one of those, then look into the quality of the beach and consider other factors such as whether or not it gets overcrowded during the peak season.

    If access to shops and restaurants is also a priority, then look into places that have a well-developed village area. These can range from shops-packed Southampton to the quieter Sag Harbor.

    Also, whether you’re in the Hamptons to meet new people or to get away from it all, it’s a good idea to find a location that is close to conveniences like the grocery store, gas station, and so on.

  • Research, research, research!
    Do as much research as you can on the property as well as the neighborhood. Drop by for visits, get feedback from people living in the area or who own property there, and consult with experts.

    Coastal homes are more exposed to the elements than inland properties, so you need to find out if the house is weathertight. Make sure your home inspector has experience with coastal homes in the particular area you’re interested in. Consider going a step further and hiring a structural engineer – they will be able to provide more detailed information about any possible structural or drainage issues.

    You will also want to look into other factors that may affect your use and enjoyment of the property, from its orientation (what kind of views will you be looking at?) to the zoning regulations in the area (what kind of improvements will you be able to make in the future?).

  • Work with the right realtor
    Does all this sound like a lot of work? Make things easier for yourself and work with an experienced realtor who is familiar with the area and properties that you’re looking at.

    The right realtor can provide you with all the necessary information about a property and its surrounding community. Let them know what you’re looking for and they’ll do the legwork and research so you can find the ideal coastal home.

The perfect coastal home is only a call or an email away! Find out more about coastal homes in the Hamptons by calling 631-288-9600 or emailing broker(at)kerriganrealty(dotted)com today.